The Indianapolis Colts have a handful of positional battles to watch for, and we’ll cover the starting will linebacker spot today.
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Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty ImagesThe Favorite: Jaylon Carlies
Having seen starting linebacker E.J. Speed depart to the Houston Texans in free agency, the Colts figure to turn to favorite, 2nd-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, to start this season at the first-team defense spot adjacent to NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin.
At 6’3,” 227 pounds, the former 2024 5th round pick of the Colts flashed as rookie for the Colts in
subpackage duty as a coverage linebacker. His PFF +83.1 coverage grade this past season would’ve been the 3rd highest among all players at his position respectively—had he qualified in total snaps count.
Granted, it was in limited action, but it was an encouraging start to Carlies’ pro career.
Carlies had 36 tackles, a pass defensed, and a sack during his debut pro campaign.
If there’s one question mark, Carlies missed 7 games as a rookie and is coming off an offseason shoulder surgery, but is expected to be fully ready for training camp.
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Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Challenger - Segun Olubi
The former undrafted free agent of the San Francisco 49ers has spent the past three seasons with the Colts, playing pretty well as a rotational backup and in spot duty when called upon in limited action.
He played in 17 games for the Colts this past season, recording 12 tackles and a fumble recovery. He’s appeared in 34 career games for Indy, making 2 starts during his first three seasons in the league.
Per PFF, Olubi received a +86.4 overall grade, which would’ve been the 5th best among all NFL linebackers—had he qualified in total snaps. It was highlighted by a +92.6 run defense grade, where he clearly made his presence felt.
It’s possible we see a bit of a platoon at the Will spot this upcoming season, with Carlies predominantly handling the coverage snaps, and Olubi playing situationally versus the run.
Verdict - Jaylon Carlies
With new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo looking to swap out a third linebacker for an extra defensive back in more of the Colts base defense packages, and it makes sense that he may also prefer a more coverage-oriented linebacker out there.
That predominantly screams Carlies, but Olubi should get his fair share of opportunities on early, run defense, and short yardage downs.
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